Update
Wednesday, May 12: While
weather forecasts remain unstable, the decision has been made to begin moving
up the mountain tomorrow. Due to permit (and weather) constraints, it seems
that the last possible day the team may attempt the summit is May 25. In order
for any attempt to be possible, everyone will need to be in place if and when
a window does materialize. Their plan is to make the full 22km trek to ABC in
one day (at least most of them - some will likely take two days as coughs and
colds are being nursed), where they will rest for at least another full day
before moving on. At very best, it will take 5 days from ABC to reach the top.
If I've done my math correctly, this means that any potential summit bids will
be made between May 19 and 25. Who knows - Tom is celebrating his birthday on
May 22 - wouldn't that be one to beat (Tom and Ben are hoping to be the first
British brother team to summit Everest)! I hope to hear from Iain by sat phone
over the next 10 days and will post updates as and when possible. Fingers
crossed!

What is MS?

MS often strikes young adults
between 20 and 50 years of age. Twice as many women develop the disease. MS is
found most frequently among people who live in temperate climates, both in the
Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

In Switzerland alone, over 10,000 people currently live with MS. The disease
strikes one out of every 800 Swiss, representing a high proportion of the
population compared to other countries. In the US, a third of a million people
have MS.

What are its symptoms?
The symptoms of MS may include tingling, numbness, slurred speech, and blurred
or double vision. Some people experience muscle weakness, poor balance, poor
coordination, muscle tightness, spasticity, or paralysis which may be
temporary or permanent.

Because MS affects individuals so differently, it is difficult to make
generalizations about disability.

What causes MS?
Most scientists think the cause of MS is "multi-factorial." The person's
genetic heritage, gender, birthplace, age, and environment contribute to
susceptibility, resistance, and the pattern of course MS will take. It is not
an inherited disease, in a strict sense, but a certain susceptibility may run
in families. One theory suggests that a common viral infection, acquired
during early childhood in genetically susceptible individuals, leads to the
development of an immune response (autoimmune reaction) when one reaches
adulthood. MS appears to result from an autoimmune process in which immune
cells mistake myelin as a foreign invader and attack it.

Is it easily diagnosed?
MS is not easy to diagnose. However, recent advances in medical imaging,
particularly magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are helping to clarify
diagnosis. A conclusive or definitive diagnosis requires evidence of multiple
patches of scar tissue in different parts of the central nervous system, and
evidence of at least 2 separate attacks of the disease.

Is there a cure?
Although no cure exists at present for MS, many symptoms can be relieved and
the severity of attacks may be reduced through the use of various treatments.
There are also many therapies to moderate or relieve MS symptoms.

How to donate In the United States :

Please send a US draft check, made payable to the “US National MS Society”
with written reference to the “ Nan J. Gascoigne Fund” to the following
address:

Because we are collecting funds through the US National MS Society, your
donation qualifies as tax-deductable. By specifying the “ Nan J.
Gascoigne Fund” on your check, you enable MoonShadow to maintain control
of the funds and how they will be put to good use.

To donate In Switzerland and from all other countries please e-mail us
.

They are currently working to register MoonShadow as a
charitable foundation.